SQUASH

Since winning their first Gauteng Top Schools title in 2004, the squash first team went on to win that title four more times, making it five wins in eight years. More remarkably though, is the performance of the first team in the local Johannesburg u/19 super league, having won the league for seven out of the last eight years.

During these years squash has grown from a sport fielding only four teams to one where King Edward VII School is currently entering ten teams in the local Johannesburg squash league. The club has grown steadily to now boast 60 players playing squash in the second term.

2012 saw the first squash team ending second in the Johannesburg League as well as in the Johannesburg Top Schools Tournament. 2013 was a less successful year with a young developing team struggling in both the league and Top Schools Tournament. Fortunately 2014 saw a big improvement with the first team ending second in the local Johannesburg League and coming third in the Johannesburg Top Schools Tournament. 2014 also saw a very successful u/14A team smashing the opposition to take the u/14 Super League title, indicating a bright future ahead!

During the years a number of players represented South Africa at different age levels:

The 2015 squash season proved to be a memorable one. King Edward VII squash elite, together with the respective league teams produced outstanding, overall results. Most memorable of these performances was the notable, Top School in Gauteng title achieved by the King Edward VII first team.

KES Central Gauteng Players 2015

This has been a title that has eluded King Edward VII School for the last few years, and it is with great satisfaction that the current squashing elite achieved such a title. This came as a result of victories over the likes of St. John’s; St. Stithians; Parktown Boys’; Egoli Development Squad and what has become our rival in recent years, Northcliff High School. A true spectacle such encounters proved to be.

Consequently, this resulted in the King Edward players attending the annual National Top Schools’ Squash Championship held at Epworth Girls’ in Pietermaritzburg. A fantastic experience for all those involved as it is at this tournament, that the squashing elites meddle is truly tested against the nation’s finest schooling institutions.

KES Gauteng Capping 2015

Match ups against the likes of Pretoria Boys’ High School; St. Andrew’s School (Bloemfontein); Paarl Boys’ High; Rondebosch Boys’ High and Kingswood College awaited our relatively inexperienced first team. After the conclusion of the matches, King Edward VII did itself proud by finishing in a respectable 4th position.

Over the course of the tournament many memories and truly fantastic experiences were shared amongst the boys’, who with true KES spirit represented the school in all its pride. A word of thanks must be mentioned to the entire squad for its consistent commitment to the sport throughout the season. You have done your school proud!

KES 1st Team – Top School in Gauteng 2015

2017 Season Report Back by MIC Mr Bradd Lodge:

First Team:

The 2017 squash season, as the previous, proved to be a season of mixed emotions. With a relatively young 1st team, with only two Matrics represented, the season presented its fair share of challenges. However, it must be said, that King Edward VII’s squash elite, stood up to the challenge once again, producing consistent and outstanding results.

St. Stithians Easter Festival

The season began with our 1st team entering the annual St. Stithian’s Easter Squash festival, an event that aptly prepares the learners for the competitive squash season ahead. This year saw our 1st team participate in the festival for the 2nd year running. An event the learners have come to appreciate and enjoy.

Overall, the Saints festival proved to be a successful tournament for the Red Strings, securing 4 wins from 5 fixtures, including Kingswood College, Graeme College, Northcliff High School and St. Stithians Invitational. In many ways, the team built on performances from the previous year, having retained most the team. Once again, the festival served as a great opportunity to test our might against schools from around the country.

Top Schools’ Play-Off

This year the Central Gauteng Junior Squash, Top School’ play-off was held at St. Stithians College. A collection of Gauteng’s finest squash institutes descended upon Saints, as to determine who will represent the province at the National Championships, held in Pietermaritzburg in August.

The Final, as per last year was once again, against our most formidable rival, St. John’s College. After a tough fixture in the morning, the lads really had to give it their all to compete against a strong St. John’s College 1st team.

After going down 2 matches to 0, the 3rd match of the day, resulted in an epic battle between T. Van Baalen and W. Davis. After a very tense and exciting match, it was Davis who succeeded with a level-headed performance, securing a 12-10 in the 5th victory. The fixture was won.

In true King Edward VII spirit, despite the confirmed result, our No.1 & No.2 were still to complete their matches. A hearty effort by the two learners, narrowed the margin to 3-2 matches, doing the fixture much justice. It doesn’t get closer than this, providing for some exciting and entertaining squash for the parents and players alike.

2017 Central Gauteng Schools’ League

Despite the setback of having to settle for the Runners-Up position in the Top Schools’ play-off, the Red Strings proved to be a force to reckon with when it came to the Schools’ League for 2017. Consistent performances throughout the season, saw the King Edward VII 1st team claim the Super League Title, having gone unbeaten throughout the season. The dedication and commitment the gentlemen displayed was fittingly recognized in achieving this accolade. Thoroughly deserved.

Central Gauteng Awards

Derby Day Fixtures

This year an initiative was taken by King Edward VII & Pretoria Boys’ to undertake an annual home and away Squash fixture, which would coincide with the Rugby & Hockey weekend fixtures. The respected schools fielded no less than 8 teams, across four different age groups, including the 1st teams, to face-off against one another.

The home and away fixtures proved to be a great success for both schools’, with Pretoria securing victory over King Edward VII School in both encounters. Not only is such an initiative promoting the game of squash, but it is carrying on traditions which have stood the test of time. A successful initiative that the two schools will certainly carry forward into the future.

Over the course of the season many memories and truly fantastic experiences were shared amongst the boys’, who with true KES spirit represented the school in all its pride. A word of thanks must be mentioned to the entire squad for its consistent commitment to the sport throughout the season. You have done your school proud! There continues to be a bright Squash future in Red.

KES VS COLLEGE 2017

Thank you to Mr Eugene Marx, for his involvement and support. Old Edwardians Squash Club was used as the home club and their continued support, through the management of courts by J. Shulman is much appreciated.

SA PLAYERS 2017

2018

King Edward VII School won their maiden SA Top Schools Championships on the 12 August, beating Selborne College 18-9 in the Finals at Epworth Girls’.

Top competition, top Schools – showcasing the wonderful talent of young players across the Country. Red Strings – we are so very proud of you all and MIC Mr Bradd Robert Lodge👏🏻🏆👏🏻🏆 Tradition of Excellence.

LATEST NEWS

King Edward VII School 1st Team Squash Team with deserved accolades after a superb 2018 season. 2018 Central Gauteng Junior Squash Awards received recognition for winning the SA Top Schools National Title 2018....

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